Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
